What's it like to work on the world's biggest sitcom?  The US Office was a worldwide phenomenon.  On this edition of the Scene we're joined by Anthony Farrell a comedy writer who enjoyed riding the crest of the wave working on seasons 4 and 5 of The Office.

Since then Anthony has begun developing his own shows such as The Bafta winning Secret Life of Boys and The Thundermans.  I had the pleasure of meeting Anthony on The Secret Life of Boys many years ago and in this episode we delve into his process, the story structures and techniques involved in writing a sitcom.  Plus what was it like to write for Steve Carrell?  Find out on this latest edition of The Scene.

Contents include:
-Intro
-Anthony's new show Shelved
-Setting sitcoms up for longevity
-Working with directors
-Difference between writer/showrunner
-The collabrative process
-Listening to feedback
-What is comedy?
-Writing for Children
-Why comedy?
-Best way for writers to learn
-Changing viewing habits
-Starting on the US Office
-The pranks on Dwight
-Writing episodes for The Office
-Michael Scott's romance
-Meridith flashing her boobs
-The essence of Michael Scott
-Anthony's career 

Anthony's sitcom Shelved is currently on CTV (Canada only)

The specific episodes Anthony wrote for The US Office as discussed in this podcast are:
"Employee Transfer" S05 EP06
"Casual Friday" S05 EP26
The US adaptation of The Office is available to stream on Amazon Prime (UK)

Anthony's Instagram:
https://tinyurl.com/pxbf8p8x

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The Scene is released every Thursday on all podcast outlets

Follow Gino on the following socials:
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Donal O’Hanlon’s joy and passion for acting has lit up the stage and entertained audiences for years.  Donal has become a focal point in enhancing the legacy of The New Point Players continuing the tremendous breeding ground for acting talent brought to prominence by the legend that is Sean Hollywood.

I had the pleasure of watching his talent first hand as Donal became a fabulous foil for TaxiJo in our 2022 production.  I’m intrigued by his process and want to know where this passion for acting comes from on this latest edition of The Scene. 

-Intro
-Where did it all start?
-How acting styles have changed over the years
-Swamping pints on TaxiJo
-The Importance of rehearsals
-What's the theatre scene currently look like?
-Filming driving scenes like ours
-The difference in performing for a live audience and a camera
-Learning lines/Improvising
-How important is acting for the local community?
-The future of the Arts Centre and the Town Hall
-Modern day effects on theatre audiences
-The future of theatre


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Donal O'Hanlon is starring in the Newpoints live theatrical production of The Cripple of Inishman on the following dates:

Thursday 12th of October at Newry Town Hall

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite

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From Newry News to TaxiJo Hugh Feenan and I have been working together on countless projects where it's been a constant string of great memories relive some memories with us on this latest edition of The Scene.

- intro
- Early Comedy Influences
- The Office
- Early Days of Social Media and Newry News
- The Bogroll Videos
- Johnny Baghead
- TaxiJo
- Choose Newry
- The birth of Martin Hanlon
- Looking Back
- TaxiJo on the Big Screen 

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Hugh Feenan is starring in the Newpoints live theatrical production of The Cripple of Inishman on the following dates:

Thursday 5th of October at Armagh Market Place
Thursday 12th of October at Newry Town Hall

Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite

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Insta: https://tinyurl.com/35s5t7w2
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In this first first edition of The Scene Gino sits down with standup comic Darren Matthews to discuss the recent explosion in popularity of standup comedy in Northern Ireland.  

Darren has been working as a standup comic for the best part of twelve years, hear his insights into how the comedy industry has changed over the years.  From playing in front of just handfuls of people in the early years to recent sellouts in arenas like the SSE.  What is that makes people from this country so funny?

In this conversation topics include:
-Intro
- Why did you get into standup   
-What's different about the comedy scene now
-Beano
-How to deal with idiots in the audience
-The growth of the local comedy
-The different disciplines of comedy
-Improv
-Advice for somebody starting out 
-The Sunflower comedy club
-Comedy is ingrained in Northern Ireland culture
-What were the early days of comedy like?
-Clip of Darren doing standup on stage and our analysis
-Comedy lends itself to small places
-Gotta get it right on the night
-Standup is carte blanche TV is not
-Comedy is not just words there's a style and presentation to it
-What was it like playing the SSE arena?
-Comedy as a career

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Darren Matthews
Insta: https://tinyurl.com/yc7bh8fm
TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/4uumb6nf
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/34c44htf

Darren hosts the 10 for 10 comedy club in the Sunflower bar on the last Sunday of every month.  See ten comedians featuring a headline act for only £10 entry fee.  Tickets can be found on Eventbrite.

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Gino Lynch
Insta: https://tinyurl.com/35s5t7w2
TikTok: https://tinyurl.com/2p8y8wu4
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/5n7x2am3